The City of Delano declared itself a sanctuary city late Monday night, issuing its most public statement that local authorities would not enforce Federal immigration laws.
Delano becomes the first city in the San Joaquin Valley to declare itself a sanctuary for illegal immigrants.
The resolution declaring Delano’s status was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Delano Mayor Joe Aguirre the lone “No” vote.
Aguirre spoke at length to local news about the impact of declaring sanctuary status for the sizable migrant farmworker community residing in the city.
“We have an administration that’s out to get them. If they’re here illegally and there’s issues they’re going to come after you. They’re going to come looking,” Aguirre told KERO on Monday night. “You’re damn right I’d be concerned. I’d be concerned. You should be concerned. But to go out and tell them you’re safe in Delano, that’s a lie.”
The vote by Delano’s council came hours after two undercover agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were posted at Delano’s county courthouse.
Just one week ago, ICE arrested a man at the Delano courthouse. [mnky_ads id=”8874″]
